Norway is leading the charge towards a greener future, with electric cars now dominating its roads. In August, an astounding 90% of new car purchases were electric, pushing the total percentage of electric vehicles on Norwegian roads into the majority. You can feel the country’s commitment to decarbonization in the air – even the ferries navigating the picturesque fjords are electric, gliding silently across the waters. This commitment to sustainability made it the perfect setting for a clean-living road trip in Audi’s new Q6 e-tron, their pure-electric family SUV.
Our journey began in Bergen, a charming city nestled amidst stunning landscapes. The rain was relentless, a stark reminder of the unpredictable Norwegian weather. But instead of battling the elements, we found solace in the warmth and comfort of the Audi Q6 e-tron. With heated seats and a spacious interior, it was the perfect sanctuary to admire the dramatic scenery. The Q6 e-tron, draped in a deep blue paintwork, exuded a sense of luxury and sophistication. Its black quilted leather interior and red ambient lighting created a cozy and inviting atmosphere. It even felt more welcoming than our hotel lobby.
Bergen is a delightful city, offering a perfect blend of urban charm and natural beauty. We embarked on a scenic loop north, following the E39 towards Ålesund. This incredible road weaves its way over graceful bridges spanning islands and inlets, offering breathtaking views of deep fjords. The landscape was a symphony of water, with rain cascading from the skies, serene lakes reflecting the clouds, and dramatic waterfalls crashing down the rocky cliffs. The Q6 e-tron’s quattro four-wheel drive system, coupled with its suite of safety features like blind-spot warning and emergency braking, provided peace of mind as we navigated the challenging conditions. Despite the weather and our reliance on lights, heated seats, and the steering wheel, the Q6 e-tron’s range remained consistently impressive, steadily decreasing as we covered the miles.
One of the most awe-inspiring moments of our trip was encountering the Osterfjord. This majestic body of water, spanning 27 kilometers long and three kilometers wide, was truly breathtaking. Further on, we were captivated by the Hesjedalsfossen waterfall, with its 70-meter drop. As the landscape transitioned into a rural idyll of charming red and white clapboard houses, we found ourselves back in Bergen, ready for our final adventure.
We parked the Q6 e-tron effortlessly, thanks to its 360-degree parking camera and sensors, and boarded a funicular railway. This sleek transportation system took us to the summit of Mount Fløyen, where we dined at Fløirestauranten. The panoramic view of Bergen from this vantage point was simply unforgettable. We savored Norwegian oysters and locally cured meats before descending the mountain on the funicular.
Our Norwegian road trip highlighted the compelling case for electric vehicles. The Norwegian government’s commitment to sustainability through incentives like financial subsidies, free parking, and toll exemptions for electric vehicle drivers has made the transition seamless. The air quality is noticeably better, and the experience is undeniably enjoyable. As electric car sales falter in Britain and air pollution escalates, it’s time for the British government to reconsider its approach and learn from Norway’s success. Perhaps they could even import a few fjords for good measure.
Our journey in the Audi Q6 e-tron not only showcased the breathtaking beauty of Norway but also emphasized the powerful potential of electric vehicles to drive a sustainable future.
